A gay and lesbian alumni group for graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy is welcoming the first midshipmen who will graduate under a new policy that allows gay and lesbian military members to serve without fear of discharge.

Officials at the nation’s major military academies say repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy won’t cause any fundamental changes in daily operations at the schools, and students say they are welcoming and ready for a positive and uneventful transition.

President Barack Obama signed a new law Wednesday that will allow gays for the first time in history to serve openly in America’s military. And he urged those kicked out under the old law to re-enlist.